HEAR YE, HEAR YE, HEAR YE!
From: Nancy Lord
Subject: GA Statement
Re: Centennial Park Bombing
On April 26, 1996, Robert Starr and James McCranie were arrested and
charged by federal agents with conspiracy and possession of an
unregistered explosive device (pipe bombs). According to the
government's own testimony (and the press), the pipe bombs of the
accused are similar in construction to the one used at the [Centennial]
Olympic Park in Atlanta on July 27th.
The U.S. government's witness (BATF Agent Steve Gills) also testified
under oath that Starr had no knowledge of such evidence being placed on
his property, and that McCranie stated that he wanted nothing to do with
making pipe bombs. The government has also stated in their response to
the defense attorney's motions that the confidential informants had
"participated" in the burying of evidence on Starr's property.
We were concerned that the illegal activities of these informants were
not over. During the first week after the arrests, we provided the FBI,
at their request, information about them, including photographs.
Starr, McCranie, and now Troy Spain, are now being held without bond
until their trial which begins on Sep 3. Against the written protests of
the defense, Starr and McCranie were relocated to the U.S. Penitentiary
in Atlanta, GA shortly before the Olympics, at the request of the U.S.
Marshall Service, for "security reasons". No further details were given.
Upon learning of the tragedy at the [Centennial] Olympic Park at about
[1:15] a.m. July 27th, we immediately began going over evidence from our
investigation concerning the Robert Starr case. Based on news reports
concerning a pipe bomb made of galvanized steel with nails attached and
a white male with a soft southern accent, we became concerned that the
tragedy might be linked to individuals who we learned of through our
investigation on the Macon case who fit this profile.
The U.S. District Court gag order issued at 5:00 p.m. on Friday,
approximately 7 hours before the bombing, prohibits us from disclosing
more about these suspects.
At about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, we telephoned the FBI in
Atlanta, the Atlanta police, and the federal security agency called
SOLEC, and told them that we were aware of suspects who know about and
have made pipe bombs. We also offered to listen to the 911 tape and
compare it with voice recordings of the individuals, and show our
pictures of these men to any eyewitnesses. The FBI official told us they
were "too busy" to speak with us and would not give us any more
information.
On Saturday, we began to observe footage of our Bob's arrest, and heard
that a "militia connection" was suspected.
Robert Starr gave a taped statement from the federal penitentiary. Mr.
Starr stated that the perpetrators should be hung. His analysis of news
clips suggested that the perpetrator had to be familiar with security
measures, and that it might have been done by informants who are known
to have instigated illegal activity in Georgia in the past. If he
listened to the 911 tape, he might recognize the voice, he said, and he
offered to assist the government in any way possible to find the
culprit.
On Sunday morning at 10:00 EST we held a press conference at the federal
building in Macon, played Mr. Starr's statement for the news media, and
told them (within the limits of the gag order) of our suspicions and
that our calls had not been returned.
Several reporters questioned ACOG officials during their 5:00 p.m. press
conference as to why the lead provided by the Georgia militia had not
been followed. They claimed that all leads were being investigated, but
looked rather uncomfortable throughout the conference, which was
peppered with questions from reporters concerning the Fourth Amendment
and constitutional rights.
As of 8:00 a.m. on Monday morning, law enforcement agencies have still
failed to returned our phone calls.
However, we have spoken with and have given the same information to news
media from all over the world since 6 p.m. Saturday:
WMAZ, Macon Georgia
Macon Telegraph
Associated Press
Dallas Morning News
Orlando Sentinel
Toronto Sun
Sacramento Bee
Fox 23 TV, Macon
CNN, Atlanta
RTL television, Germany
Atlanta Journal & Constitution
KLM television, Germany
Inside Edition
The Wall Street Journal
French television
Newsday
Australian TV
Focus TV
WABC, AM 770 New York
WMAZ, AM 940 Macon
ITN British Television
CBS News
Several additional radio shows, including KRLD 1080 AM of Dallas, are
scheduled.
However, the feds are hitting back. We are told from patriots outside of
the Macon area that the network feed started hitting Bobby and Jimmy
hard after 11:00 p.m. Sunday.
If anyone might have been in Centennial Park on Friday night, or has any
other information that might help in solving this terrible crime, please
contact us using the information below.
When conducting and investigation, one usually asks the question, "Who
benefits?". The pipe bombming in Atlanta has the potential of damaging
the Starr, McCranie and Spain defense although they have the perfect
alibi (held for trial without bond in a U.S. Pen.).
Also, the results of the bombing has led to military personnel on every
major street corner of Atlanta while government officials call for more
money, manpower, international co-operation, and yes, authority over our
lives. The freedom movement (Militia, Patriots, etc.) have spoken out
against this policy for years. Nor would any Georgia militiaman wish to
jeopardize the upcoming Macon trial.
We believe that since only one of three manufactured pipe bombs
exploded, the idiot who committed this crime wanted even more death and
destruction than what was received. It is for this reason, we fear that
before the Atlanta Olympics are over, these criminals may strike
again... somewhere in Georgia.
J.J. Johnson
Citizens' Defense League
P.O. Box 7223
Macon, Georgia 31209-7223
Phone: 912-788-6272
Fax: 912-785-1809
E-mail: league@macon.mindspring.com